FROM   THE   LIBRARY  OF 
REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,   D.  D 

BEQUEATHED    BY   HIM  TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON   THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY 


Irtvtalon 

Section  7^5^ 


cA 


X- 


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LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE 


4 


"i  OF  PW^  * 

MAR  15  1933  ' 

C7C>L  BF*^ 


LAYS   OF    LOWLY   SERVICE 


AND  OTHER   VERSES 


BY 


,. 


/ 


GEORGIANA    M.    TAYLOR 

AUTHOR    OF  "  OH  !   TO   BE  NOTHING  !  " 


NEW  YORK 

JAMES    POTT    &    CO.,    PUBLISHERS 

1892 


Copyrighted,  1892,  By 
JAMES    POTT    &    CO. 


TROW  DIRECTORY 

PRINTING  AND   BOOKBINDING  COMPANY 

NEW   YORK 


©uc  f>appB  f>ome. 

Oh,  happy  home,  where  Jesus  dwells ! 
Where  His  dear  love  all  care  dispels, 
Where  His  sweet  presence  rules  each  heart, 
Bids  pride,  pretence,  and  sloth  depart ; 
Where  storms  of  passion  and  self-will 
Are  quelled  before  His  ' '  Peace,  be  still ! " 
Where  work  is  done  for  His  dear  sake, 
And  patience  doth  contentment  make  ! 
Oh,  help  me,  Lord,  quite  close  to  stay 
Beside  Thee  all  the  busy  day, 
So  not  by  word  or  deed  of  mine 
To  mar  this  happy  home  of  Thine ! 


PREFACE 


Some  of  the  verses  collected  in  this  volume 
may  perhaps  be  already  familiar  to  the  reader. 

They  are  now,  with  additions,  gathered  to- 
gether and  sent  forth  in  the  hope  that  He  who 
has  in  the  past  deigned  to  comfort  and  help 
some  of  His  "  little  ones"  through  their  in- 
strumentality, may  further  use  them  for  His 
glory,  as  He  often  does  "the  weak  things  of 
the  world." 

January,  1892. 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

"Oh!  to  be  Nothing !  " 11 

"Tell  Jesus," 14 

"Speak,  Lord,  for  thy  Servant  Heareth,"         .  16 

Rest, 18 

A  Heart  Melody, 20 

"  For  Jesus'  Sake," 22 

My  Heart's  Desire  for  Thee, 24 

He  Gate  Himself, 25 

"  Well-pleasing  unto  God," 26 

The  Messenger, 28 

God's  Chosen  Things, 30 

"Closer  to  Thee," 32 

Ruth  ;  or,  The  Satisfied  Soul,        ....  33 

The  Opening  Year, 34 

The  Path  of  Faith, 36 

What  Seek  Ye  ? .        .38 

Our  Working-Day  Song, 40 

Our  Sunday  Hymn, 41 


10  CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

The  Garden  op  the  Lord, 42 

"Follow  Me!" 44 

A  Daily  Desire, 4G 

Keady! 48 

A  Nail  in  a  Sure  Place, 50 

A  Worker's  Dream  of  the  Border  Land,         .        .  52 

Onward! 54 

Wilderness  Rest, 55 

He  Faileth  Not, 50 

The  Heart's  Hunger.    Question  I.,  .        .        .58 

The  Heart's  Hunger.    Question  II.,       .       .        .  GO 


LAYS  OF  LOWLY   SERVICE. 


"  Qbl  to  be  motbtng!" 

Oh  !  to  be  nothing — nothing ! 

Only  to  lie  at  His  feet, 
A  broken  and  emptied  vessel, 

For  the  Master's  use  made  meet ! 
Emptied  that  He  may  fill  me, 

As  forth  to  His  service  I  go  ; 
Broken,  that  so,  unhindered, 

Through  me  His  life  may  flow. 


Oh  !  to  be  nothing — nothing ! 

An  arrow  hid  in  His  hand, 
Or  a  messenger  at  His  gateway, 

Waiting  for  His  command ; 


12  LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE. 


Only  an  instrument,  ready 

For  Him  to  use  at  His  will ; 
And  willing,  should  He  not  require  me, 

In  patience  to  wait  on  Him  still. 

Oh  !  to  be  nothing — nothing ! 

Though  painful  the  humbling  be, 
Though  it  lay  me  low  in  the  sight  of  those 

Who  are  now,  perhaps,  praising  me  : 
I  would  rather  be  nothing,  nothing, 

That  to  Him  might  their  voices  be  raised, 
Who  alone  is  the  Fountain  of  blessing, 

Who  only  is  meet  to  be  praised. 

Yet  e'en  as  my  pleading  rises, 

A  voice  seems  with  mine  to  blend, 
And  whispers,  in  loving  accents, 

"I  call  thee  not  '  servant,'  but  ' friend ; ' 
Fellow- worker  with  Me  I  call  thee, 

Sharing  My  sorrow  and  joy — 
Fellow-heir  to  the  glory  I  have  above, 

The  treasure  without  alloy." 

Oh !  love  so  free,  so  boundless  ! 

Which,  lifting  me,  lays  me  lower 
At  the  footstool  of  Jesus,  my  risen  Lord, 

To  worship  and  to  adore — 
Which  fills  me  with  deeper  longing 

To  have  nothing  dividing  my  heart, 
My  "  all "  given  up  to  Jesus, 

Not  "keeping  back  a  part." 


"OH!   TO  BE  NOTHING!"  13 


Thine  may  I  be,  Thine  only, 

Till  called  by  Thee  to  share 
The  glorious  heavenly  mansions 

Thou  art  gone  before  to  prepare ; 
My  heart  and  soul  are  yearning 

To  see  Thee  face  to  face, 
With  unfettered  tongue  to  praise  Thee 

For  such  heights  and  depths  of  grace. 


14  LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE. 


"  Sell  Sesus." 

When  thou  wakest  in  the  morning, 

Ere  thou  tread  the  untried  way 
Of  the  lot  that  lies  before  thee 

Through  the  coming  busy  day  ; 
Whether  sunbeams  promise  brightness, 

Whether  dim  forebodings  fall, 
Be  thy  dawning  glad  or  gloomy, 

Go  to  Jesus — tell  Him  all ! 

In  the  calm  of  sweet  communion 

Let  thy  daily  work  be  done  ; 
In  the  peace  of  soul  outpouring 

Care  be  banished,  patience  won  ; 
And  if  earth  with  its  enchantments 

Seek  thy  spirit  to  enthral, 
Ere  thou  listen — ere  thou  answer — 

Turn  to  Jesus — tell  Him  all ! 

Then  as  hour  by  hour  glides  by  thee, 

Thou  wilt  blessed  guidance  know, 
Thine  own  burdens  being  lightened, 

Thou  canst  bear  another's  woe  ; 
Thou  canst  help  the  weak  ones  onward, 

Thou  canst  raise  up  those  that  fall : 
But  remember,  while  thou  servest, 

Still  tell  Jesus— tell  Him  all ! 


u  TELL  JESUS."  15 


And  if  weariness  creep  o'er  thee 

As  the  day  wears  to  its  close, 
Or  if  sudden  fierce  temptation 

Bring  thee  face  to  face  with  foes : 
In  thy  weakness,  in  thy  peril, 

Eaise  to  heaven  a  trustful  call ; 
Strength  and  calm  for  every  crisis 

Come— in  telling  Jesus  all. 


16  LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE. 


"  Speafc,  XorOt  for  Ghy  Servant  Dearetb." 

"  Speak,  Lord,  for  Thy  servant  heareth ! " 

In  wisdom,  in  power,  in  love, 
Oh  speak,  till  this  heart  that  feareth 

Is  lifted  all  fear  above  ! 
Before  I  go  forth  to  serve  Thee, 

Whatever  my  work  may  be, 
Let  words  from  Thy  presence  nerve  me 

To  do  and  to  bear  for  Thee. 

°  Speak,  Lord,  for  Thy  servant  heareth !  " 

Thy  will  may  the  Spirit  show, 
Till  step  upon  step  appeareth 

The  way  Thou  wouldst  have  me  go  ! 
And  while  in  the  path  before  me 

Thy  precepts  shall  safely  guide, 
Like  the  "  bow  for  a  token  "  o'er  me 

Thy  promises  shall  abide. 

"  Speak,  Lord,  for  Thy  servant  heareth  !  " 

Eemind,  as  the  hours  roll  on, 
That  the  shore  of  eternity  neareth, 

When  time  will  be  over  and  gone. 
Let  me  each  opportunity  cherish, 

And  tell  me  the  words  that  will  reach 
Poor  souls  that  are  ready  to  perish, 

Sad  hearts  that  seem  closed  to  all  speech. 


"SPEAK,  LORD,  THY  SERVANT  HEARETH."    17 


Speak,  Lord,  for  Thy  servant  heareth  !  " 

Through  sorrow,  and  toil,  and  pain, 
No  voice  like  Thine  own  voice  cheereth, 

No  tones  have  such  sweet  refrain  ; 
But  tender  and  calm  and  healing, 

Like  dew  to  the  drooping  flower, 
Thy  Word,  o'er  my  spirit  stealing, 

Shall  fill  me  with  holy  power. 


18  LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE. 


IReet. 

It  is  in  vain  fob  you  to  rise  up  early,  to  sit  up  late,  to  eat  the 
bread  op  sorrows,  for  he  giveth  to  hls  beloved,  sleeping."— 
(Psalm  cxxvii.  2.    Literal  Translation  of  German  Version.) 

O  weary  child  of  God,  so  tempest-tossed, 

Uncomforted  and  weeping, 
Whose  heart  is  yearning  after  treasure  lost, 
Yield  up  thy  will- 
Be  still ! 
"  He  gives  to  His  beloved,  sleeping." 

Why  murmurest  thou  o'er  labours  still  unblest, 

Sowing,  but  never  reaping  ? 
Thy  Lord  hath  said,  "Who  takes  My  yoke  shall  rest ! " 
And  dost  thou  yet 
Forget?— 
"  He  gives  to  His  beloved,  sleeping." 

How  many  anxious  cares  thy  soul  oppress, 

Wakeful  thine  eyelids  keeping ! 
Early  and  late  thou  dost  thyself  distress : 
Tis  all  in  vain  : 
Refrain ! 
"  He  gives  to  His  beloved,  sleeping." 


BEST.  19 


Does  battle  rage,  and  are  the  powers  of  hell 

Thy  garrison  o'erleaping  ? 
Seek  not  by  strength  to  keep  the  citadel ; 
Victory,  His  own, 
Alone : 
"  He  gives  to  His  beloved,  sleeping." 

Who  would  not  thus  be  guarded  and  caressed 

In  Jesus'  tender  keeping  ? 
Sweet  and  unbroken  is  that  loved  one's  rest, 
"  Until  she  please." 
Such  ease 
"He  gives  to  His  beloved,  sleeping." 


20  LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE. 


B  Ibeart  d&elo&g. 

In  quietness  and  in  confidence  shall  be  tour  strength."— (Isaiah 

XXX.  15.) 

11  In  quietness,  in  confidence," 

A  whispered  soft  refrain 
Of  just  these  two — these  simple  words 

In  oft-repeated  strain, 
Breathes  o'er  my  heart's  foreboding  fears, 

A  rest  from  care  and  pain. 

"  In  quietness,  in  confidence  ; " 

"What  is  the  power  that  lies 
Hidden  beneath  this  melody, 

Bidding  my  courage  rise, 
Chasing  the  gloom  from  darkest  scenes, 

The  tears  from  weeping  eyes  ? 

"  In  quietness,  in  confidence  ;  " 

It  was  the  Master's  word 
That  woke  the  echo  in  my  heart ; 

The  still  small  voice  I  heard  : 
'Twas  the  same  voice  that  fills  all  heaven 

My  inmost  soul  that  stirred. 

"  In  quietness,  in  confidence;" 

No  marvel  it  should  thrill 
My  soul  with  rapture  ;  that  its  sound 

My  restless  heart  should  still : 
No  storm  so  fierce,  no  waves  so  high, 

But  He  can  calm  at  will. 


A  HEART  MELODY.  21 


"  In  quietness,  in  confidence  ;  " 
My  little  whispered  psalm 

Still  falls  in  sweet  and  holy  power, 
Like  fragrant,  soothing  balm, 

Hushing  the  heaving  billows  in 
The  Lord's  own  wondrous  calm. 


LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE. 


"ffor  3ee\\sf  Sake." 

(2  Cor.  iv.  5 ;  xii.  10 ;  1  Peter  ii.  13 ;  Luke  vi.  22.) 
A  MOTTO  TEXT. 

11  For  Jesus'  sake  "  all  sin  forgiven  ! 

"  For  Jesus'  sake  "  sweet  rest ! 
'Tis  this  glad  word  has  wooed  and  won 
My  heart  to  love  Him  best. 
His  praise  I  sing,  my  Lord  !  my  King  ! 

Who  died  my  peace  to  make  ; 
And  all  the  day,  and  all  the  way, 
An  echo  in  my  heart  shall  say, 
"  For  Jesus'  sake  !  " 


"For  Jesus'  sake  !  "    These  precious  words 

Shall  be  like  pinions  swift, 
To  waft  my  prayers  through  heaven's  gate, 
And  bear  back  many  a  gift. 
Each  answer  free  God  sends  to  me, 

Then  joyfully  I'll  take, 
And  all  the  day,  and  all  the  way, 
An  echo  in  my  heart  shall  say, 
"  For  Jesus'  sake  ! " 


"FOR  JESVS*  SAKE"  23 

When  of  tea,  like  a  wayward  child, 

I  murmur  at  His  will, 
Then  this  sweet  word,  "  For  Jesus'  sake," 
My  restless  heart  can  still. 
I  bow  my  head  ;  and,  gently  led, 

His  easy  yoke  I  take ; 
And  all  the  day,  and  all  the  way, 
An  echo  in  my  heart  shall  say, 
"  For  Jesus'  sake  !  " 

In  suffering  sore,  or  toilsome  task, 

His  burden  light  I'll  bear ; 
"For  Jesus'  sake  "  shall  sweeten  all, 
Till  His  bright  home  I  share  ; 
And  then  this  song,  more  sweet,  more  strong, 

In  heaven  my  harp  shall  wake  ; 
Led  all  the  way,  till  that  glad  day, 
Eternally  my  heart  shall  say, 
"  For  Jesus'  sake  I  " 


24  LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE. 


/IftB  Ibeart's  2>e5tre  for  £bee. 

(Colossians  i.  9-11.) 

Oh,  the  dower  of  heavenly  treasure 

I  would  wish  for  thee  to-day ! 
Oh,  the  endless,  countless  blessings 

I  would  strew  upon  thy  way  ! 
Not  the  world  with  all  its  glories, 

Nor  the  wealth  that  it  can  bring  ; 
But  the  truer,  lasting  riches 

From  the  hand  of  heaven's  King. 

There  are  depths  of  bliss  unfathomed, 

There  are  heights  of  joy  unknown, 
There  are  pleasures  unexhausted, 

That  may  yet  be  all  thine  own. 
I  will  lift  my  heart  with  longing 

To  the  Golden  Throne  above  ; 
I  will  seek  for  thee  from  Jesus 

All  the  fulness  of  His  love. 

So  thy  life  shall  pass  in  gladness ; 

And  thy  daily  path  shall  be 
One  of  brighter,  clearer  shining, 

As  the  Lord  reveals  to  thee 
All  the  secret  of  His  presence, 

With  its  wondrous  light  and  love  ; 
Precious  foretaste  of  the  rapture 

In  the  blessed  life  above. 


HE  GAVE  HIMSELF!  25 


1be  (Save  Ibtmself! 

The  Son  op  God,  who  loved  me,  and  gave  Himself  for  me."— (Ga- 
latians  ii.  20.) 

He  "  gave  Himself  for  me  ; "  oh,  blessed  word  ! 
Oh,  gift  that  has  my  deepest  longings  stirred 
To  yield  myself  to  Him  ;  henceforth  to  be 
Entirely  His  who  gave  Himself  for  me  ! 

His  Life  for  me  ! — spent  in  this  world  of  sin, 
That  He  to  God  poor  outcast  souls  might  win  ; 
His  Life  for  me  ! — laid  down  in  matchless  love, 
Now  occupied  for  me  in  heaven  above. 

His  Mind  for  me !     His  wisdom  formed  the  plan 
Whereby  release  was  brought  to  guilty  man. 
His  Will  for  me ! — not  slow  to  carry  out 
That  plan  whereby  He  frees  from  sin  and  doubt. 

His  Heart  for  me  !     Its  life-blood  freely  shed 
To  save  the  sinner — suffering  in  his  stead ; 
And  still  His  Heart  for  me,  to  feel  my  grief, 
To  bear  my  burdens,  and  to  give  relief. 

His  Voice  for  me  !    He  speaks  that  I  may  know 
The  One  who  pities — yea,  who  loves  me  so. 
His  Hands  for  me  ! — once  pierced  by  cruel  nail, 
Now  raised  in  prayer,  lest  my  weak  faith  should  fail. 

His  Feet  for  me  ! — that  this  world  weary  trod, 
Now  coming  soon  to  take  me  home  to  God. 
His  Eye,  His  Ear,  His  Eiches,  all  for  me — 
And  all  my  own  for  all  eternity  ! 


26  LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE. 


"  1IdeU*!Mea0fng  unto  <5o&." 

Enoch,  before  his  translation    .    .    .    had  this  witness  borne  to 

HTM,   THAT  HE    HAD    BEEN    WELL-PLEASING    UNTO    GOD."— (Hebrews  xi. 

5,  6.    R.  V.) 

Who  will  to-day  themselves  enrol, 
Seeking  no  lower  aim  or  goal 
Than  this — to  be  in  heart  and  soul 

"  Well -pleasing  unto  God?  " 

Some  to  please  self  alone  would  live ; 
More  happy  they  who  pleasure  give  ; 
Most  happy  they  who  strive  to  live 

11  Well-pleasing  unto  God." 

"  How  can  I  please  Him  ?  "  dost  thou  say  ? 
"  How  through  the  crowded,  busy  day 
Can  I  pursue  the  heavenward  way, 

'  Well-pleasing  '  be  '  to  God  ?  '  " 

Thou  canst  ;  because  He  sees  the  heart, 
And  if  He  views  it  kept  apart 
From  sin  around  it,  then  thou  art 

"  Well-pleasing  unto  God.'* 

And  if  He  sees  each  task  is  done 
For  Jesus,  and  for  Him  alone, 
However  mean,  in  heaven  'tis  known 
"Well-pleasing  unto  God." 


WELL-PLEASING   UNTO   GOD."  27 


But  recollect,  we  each  one  must 
In  Jesus'  blood  for  cleansing  trust, 
Ere  we  can  be — for  He  is  just,  — 

"Well-pleasing  unto  God." 

Through  good  report  and  ill  then  we, 
"With  conscience  clear  and  spirit  free, 
Will  seek  in  everything  to  be 

"Well-pleasing  unto  God." 

And  when  this  earthly  race  is  run, 
The  labour  o'er,  the  victory  won, 
Then  we  shall  hear  the  Lord's  "Well  done !  " 
"  Well-pleasing  unto  God." 


LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE. 


XZbe  flSessenger. 

'  Blessed  is  the  man  that  heaketh  Me,  watching  daily  at  My 

GATES,   WAITING  AT  THE  POSTS  OF  MY  DOORS."— (Proverbs  viii.  34.) 

I  stand  at  His  gate  to-day, 

I  linger  beside  His  door ; 
'Twill  not  be  in  vain  if  I  do  but  wait, 

I  have  proved  Him  often  before. 
I  am  watching  with  eager  eye, 

Listening  with  open  ear ; 
For  the  Master's  voice  I  must  catch  to-day, 

Each  word  must  be  plain  and  clear. 

For  a  message  I  have  to  bear ; 

He  told  me  I  was  to  come — 
That  He  had  work  for  me  to  do, 

To  carry  a  message  home. 
I  know  not  what  it  will  be  ; 

Whether  a  simple  word, 
Or  whether  'twill  cost  me  toil  and  pain 

To  utter  all  I  have  heard. 

But  often  'tis  happy  work, 

For  His  message  is  full  of  cheer ; 
His  words  of  comfort,  of  hope,  of  love, 

Wipe  away  many  a  tear. 
Sometimes  'tis  a  pardon  free 

To  a  rebel  condemned  to  die ; 
When  my  Lord  says,  "Loose  him,  and  let  him  go, 

Oh,  who  has  such  joy  as  I ! 


THE  MESSENGER.  29 


Sometimes  'tis  "  Return  !  "  "  Eeturn  ! " 

To  a  child  who  has  grieved  Him  sore  ; 
And  how  sweet  to  hear  the  faltering  tones, 

"Can  I  ever  grieve  Him  more ? " 
Or  perhaps  'tis  a  warning  voice ; 

Counsel  both  wise  and  true, 
To  one  who  stands  in  a  slippery  place, 

Knowing  not  what  to  do. 

And  though  some  will  not  heed 

The  message  I  have  to  tell, 
My  Lord  will  know — for  He  told  me  so — 

If  I  do  my  service  well. 
So  I  listen  beside  His  gate, 

And  I  hush  my  heart  to  hear  ; 
For  the  Master's  voice  I  must  catch  to-day, 

And  each  word  must  be  plain  and  clear. 


LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE. 


<5oV&  Cbosen  Gbfngs. 

"God  hath  chosen  the  foolish  things  op  the  world    .    .    .    and  the 
weak  things  .    .    .  and  base  things   .    .    .    and  things  which  are 

DESPISED,  HATH  GoD  CHOSEN." — (1  Cor.  \.  27,  28.) 

"  O  God,  I  am  so  weak, 

So  prone  to  faint  and  fall, 
How  shall  I  dare  to  speak  ? 
Canst  Thou  give  me  this  call  ? 
"  My  child,  it  is  the  '  weak  things '  I  must  use ; 
For  then  no  flesh  shall  glory  :  thee  I  choose." 

But,  Lord,  so  foolish  too, 

I  know  not  what  to  say ; 
And  even  if  I  knew, 

On  my  lips  words  die  away. 
"  My  child,  'tis  '  foolish  things  '  that  I  must  use  ; 
For  then  no  flesh  shall  glory :  thee  I  choose." 

But  then  so  base  am  I — 

One  moment  serving  Thee, 
The  next  I  may  deny 
The  Lord  who  purchased  me. 
"I  keep  thee,  child — e'en  'base  things'  I  must  use  ; 
For  then  no  flesh  can  glory  :  thee  I  choose." 


GOD'S  CHOSEN  THINGS.  31 


But  all  around  despise, 

And  scorn  a  word  from  me ; 
They  know  I  am  not  wise, 
My  nothingness  they  see. 
' '  My  child,  wilt  thou  not  learn  that  I  must  use 
Such  things  as  are  'despised  : '  thus  thee  I  choose." 

Teach  me  this  lesson,  Lord, 

Teach  me  again,  again ! 
Till  on  my  heart  Thy  word, 
Graven  with  iron  pen, 
Kemain  ;  and  thus  contented,  I  may  choose 
To  be  weak,  foolish,  base,  despised,  that  Thou  may'st  use. 


32  LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SEE  VICE. 


"Closer  to  Gbee." 

Let  me  see  Thy  countenance,  let  me  heab  Thy  voice  ;  for  sweet  is 
Thy  voice,  and  Thy  countenance  is  comely."— (S.  Song  ii.  14. ) 

Closer,  dear  Lord,  to  Thee, 

Closer  to  Thee, 
In  sweet  communion  drawn, 

Oh,  let  me  be  ! 
Earth's  joys  forgotten  quite, 
Whilst  dwelling  in  the  light, 
Closer,  dear  Lord,  to  Thee, 
Closer  to  Thee. 

Oh,  let  no  cloud  of  sin, 

'Twixt  me  and  Thee, 
Aught  of  Thy  brightness  hide  ! 

But  let  me  be 
Now  on  the  mount's  blest  height, 
Gazing  on  glory  bright, 
Till  faith  be  lost  in  sight, 

Closer  to  Thee. 

So  shall  my  walk  below 

Glorify  Thee, 
Till  that  glad  moment  come 

When  I  shall  see, 
Not,  through  a  darkening  glass, 
Glimpses  of  glory  pass, 
But  view  Thee  face  to  face, 

Closer  to  Thee. 


RUTH;   OR,  THE  SATISFIED  SOUL.  33 


IRutb ;  or,  Gbe  Satisfied  Soul. 

"  The  Lord  recompense  thy  work,  and  a  full  reward  be  given  thee 
op  the  Lord  God  op  Israel,  under  whose  wings  thou  art  come 
to  trust."— {Ruth  ii.  12.) 

I  was  a  gleaner  once  Kuth  ii.  2. 

In  fields  belonging  to  a  stranger-Lord  ;  ii.  3. 

Many  gleaned  there  in  happiness  and  peace, 

Fed  by  His  hand  and  hanging  on  His  word  :  ii.  4. 

They  were  His  purchased  ones, 

But  I  was  all  unknown.    A  journey  long  i.  7, 19. 

Had  brought  me  to  that  field,  weary  and  lone,  ii.  11. 

Gathering  a  few  chance  ears  amid  the  throng. 

The  Master  met  me  there  ;  ii.  8, 13. 

He  spoke,  He  cheered ;  "  handfuls  of  purpose  "  fellii.  16. 
Close  to  my  path,  that  I  might  have  enough  : 

(Oh,  blessed  those  who  near  such  fulness  dwell !) 
And  soon  I  found  true  rest,  iii.  1. 

The  joy,  the  bliss  of  lying  at  His  feet ;  iii.  14. 

'Twas  with  a  trembling,  fearful  heart  I  came,  uL10.ll. 

But  once  laid  there  I  thought  my  joy  complete. 

Yet  now  I  know  new  depths 

Of  blessedness  and  rest  all  unalloyed, 
The  peace  of  full  redemption  bought  by  Him,  iv.io.etc. 

To  be  through  all  eternity  enjoyed  : 
In  conscious  union  now 

With  Christ  my  risen  Lord,  whose  love  and  power 
Are  all  on  me  bestowed  in  richest  grace, 

I  live  in  sweet  communion  hour  by  hour. 


34  LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE. 


Zhc  ©penfna  fear, 

I  REMEMBER  THE  DATS  OF    OLD     ...     I  MUSE  ON  THE  WORK  OF    THY 

hands."— {Psalm  cxliii.  5.) 

An  opening  Year  before  us 

Lies  in  its  shadowy  dawn, 
Let  us  pause  awhile  on  the  threshold, 

Ere  a  veil  o'er  the  past  is  drawn  : 
Kemembering  the  Master's  leading, 

As  we  glance  at  the  backward  way, 
Let  us  strengthen  our  hearts  to  serve  Him, 

In  the  Year  we  begin  to-day. 

To  many  the  bygone  Year 

A  "  beginning  of  days  "  has  been  ; 
New  life,  new  joys,  new  hopes  are  theirs 

In  a  new-found  Saviour  seen. 
To  all  it  has  brought  new  mercies  ; 

From  all  let  new  praise  arise  ; 
For  even  its  bitterest  sorrows 

Have  been  blessings  in  disguise. 

Some  have  been  brought  by  sorrow 

From  wanderings  far  and  wide, 
To  the  Father's  house  and  the  Father's  heart ; 

And  though  some  are  still  "  outside," 
Yet  for  those  let  us  still  pray  on, 

And  the  Year  which  we  now  begin 
May  find  perhaps  at  its  close 

Those  stray  ones  gathered  in. 


THE  OPENING  TEAR.  35 


Others  the  race  have  run, 

Have  borne  the  heat  of  the  day, 
Have  finished  their  course,  have  kept  the  faith, 

And  the  Master  has  called  away. 
We  may  miss  the  well-known  form, 

"We  may  mark  the  vacant  place, 
But  our  hearts  remember  the  "Coming  One," 

And  the  meeting  "face  to  face." 

This  may  be  the  last  New  Year 

That  ever  our  eyes  shall  see ; 
For  in  it  the  Eternal  Day 

May  dawn  for  both  you  and  me. 
Perhaps  for  me  alone, 

But  perhaps  together — all 
Shall  be  gathered  around  the  Throne 

Ere  this  New  Year's  night  shall  fall. 

Then  lift  up  the  weary  heart, 

For  the  hours  are  fleeting  fast, 
There  is  an  end  to  the  longest  day, 

A  rest  that  will  come  at  last. 
On— till  the  fight  is  o'er — 

In  courage,  and  hope,  and  love ! 
We  shall  meet  at  the  pearly  gates 

Of  our  fair  bright  Home  above. 


LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE. 


Gbe  ipatb  ot  ffaftb. 

Lord,  if  it  be  Thou,  bid  me  to  come  unto  Thee  on  the  water.' 
{Matthew  xiv.  28.) 

If  it  be  Thou,  my  Lord, 

Above  the  roar  of  the  tempestuous  sea, 
Let  but  Thy  voice  be  heard, 

And  I  will  venture  forward  "  unto  Thee." 

"  Forth  unto  Thee,"  '  my  Lord, 

Heeding  not  those  who  fain  would  hold  me  back  ; 
If  I  have  but  Thy  word, 

I  can  "  go  forward"3  o'er  the  ocean's  track. 

Not  that  I  have  the  strength 

To  plant  one  footstep  on  that  raging  wave  ; 
Much  more  to  cross  the  length 

That  severs  me  from  Thee  :  but  Thou  canst  save. 

Yes,  Thou  canst  keep  my  feet 

From  sinking  in  the  drifting,  surging  tide  ; 
And  though  the  winds  may  beat, 

Thy  power  shall  bring  me  safely  to  Thy  side. 

Even  if  I  should  fail, 

Through  looking  at  my  weakness,  or  around, 
One  faltering  cry  to  Thee, 

And  in  Thine  arms  I  know  I  shall  be  found. 

1  Ilebrews  xiii.  13.  2  Exodus  xiv.  15. 


THE  PATH  OF  FAITH.  37 


"  Bid  me  to  come  "  then,  Lord, 

For  love's  constraining  power  shall  conquer  fear, 
And  hope  shall  buoy  me  up, 

And  faith's  safe  pathway  soon  shall  bring  me  near. 

Near  to  Thyself,  my  Lord, 

Into  Thy  presence  realized  and  sweet, 
To  gaze  in  rapturous  joy, 

To  listen,  learn,  and  worship  at  Thy  feet. 


LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE. 


TKUbat  Seek  12e? 

Seek  te  first  the  kingdom  op  God,  and  His  righteousness  ;  and 

ALL  THESE  THINGS  SHALL  BE  ADDED  UNTO  YOU."—  [Matthew  vi.  33.) 

Seek  ye  first,  not  earthly  pleasure, 
Fading  joy,  and  failing  treasure, 
But  the  love  that  knows  no  measure 
Seek  ye  first. 

Seek  ye  first,  not  earth's  aspirings, 
Ceaseless  longings,  vain  desirings, 
But  your  precious  soul's  requirings 
Seek  ye  first. 

Seek  ye  first  God's  peace  and  blessing ; 
Ye  have  all  if  this  possessing. 
Come,  your  need  and  sin  confessing, 
Seek  Him  first. 

Seek  Him  first ;  then,  when  forgiven, 
Pardoned,  made  an  heir  of  heaven, 
Let  your  life  to  Him  be  given  ; 
Seek  this  first. 

Seek  this  first — Be  pure  and  holy ; 
Like  the  Master,  meek  and  lowly ; 
Yielded  to  His  service  wholly. 

Seek  this  first. 


WHAT  SEEK  YE?  39 


Seek  the  coming  of  His  kingdom, 
Seek  the  souls  around,  to  win  them, 
Seek  to  Jesus  Christ  to  bring  them  ; 
Seek  this  first. 

Seek  this  first.     His  promise  trying, 
It  is  sure— all  need  supplying— 
Heavenly  things  (on  Him  relying) 
Seek  ye  first. 


40  LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE. 


Out  WotfctngsBag  Song. 

Whatsoever  thy  hand  findeth  to  do,  do  it  with  thy  might." — (Eccl. 
ix.  10.)    "Ye  serve  the  Lord  Christ."— (Col.  iii.  24.) 

We  are  toiling  on,  as  hour  by  hour  goes  by  ; 

But  our  hearts  are  light,  for  Christ  the  Lord  is  nigh. 

He  is  watching  us  with  tender  loving  eye, 
And  our  work  is  done  for  Hini. 
Our  hands  must  toil ;  but  our  hearts  are  free, 
While  our  work  is  done,  blessed  Lord,  for  Thee  ! 

We  remember  how  He  trod  the  worker's  way, 
And  in  all  things  did  His  Father's  will  obey  ; 
So  we  murmur  not,  but  follow  day  by  day, 
And  our  work  is  done  for  Him. 
Our  hands  must  toil ;  but  our  hearts  are  free, 
While  our  work  is  done,  blessed  Lord,  for  Thee ! 

We  will  look  to  Him  as  One  who  knows  our  work, 
We  will  trust  His  love,  nor  let  suspicion  lurk  ; 
He  will  give  us  grace  no  irksome  task  to  shirk, 
And  our  work  is  done  for  Him. 
Our  hands  must  toil ;  but  our  hearts  are  free, 
While  our  work  is  done,  blessed  Lord,  for  Thee  ! 


OUR  SUNDAY  HYMN.  41 


©ur  SunDag  Ibgmn. 

In  the  Spirit  on  the  Lord'3  day/'— (Rev.  i.  10.) 

Oh,  joyous  feast-day  of  the  soul, 

Again  we  hail  thy  dawn, 
Sweet  foretaste  of  the  heavenly  goal, 

The  resurrection  morn ! 

Now  leaving  every  anxious  care, 
From  week-day  labour  freed, 

We  seek  our  spirits  to  prepare 
That  we  may  feast  indeed  ; 

That  we  may  sit  at  Christ's  dear  feet, 

Remembering  His  grace  ; 
His  love  our  wine,  His  word  our  meat, 

As  we  His  beauty  trace. 

And  as  He  breaks  to  us  the  bread, 

'Twill  multiply  for  those 
For  whom  a  table  too  is  spread 

Of  food  His  love  bestows. 

For  those  who,  weary,  faint,  and  poor, 

Are  seeking  Him  to-day, 
May  we  with  joy  His  welcome  sure 

To  their  sad  hearts  convey. 


42  LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE. 


Zbe  GarDcn  of  tbe  Xoro. 

Awake,    O    north    wind;  and  come,  thou  south:  blow  upon  my 

GARDEN,  THAT  THE  SPICES  THEREOF  MAY  FLOW  OUT.   LET  MY  BE- 
LOVED COME  INTO  HIS  GARDEN,  AND  EAT  HIS  PLEASANT  FRUITS.— 

(Song  of  Solomon  iv.  16.) 

After  the  cold  north  wind, 

With  its  pitiless  blast ; 
After  the  winter  of  rain 

Is  over  and  past ; 
Then,  when  the  south  wind  blows 

With  its  balmy  air, 
Open  the  fragrant  flowers 

In  their  beauty  rare. 

Would  they  have  blossomed  so  sweet, 

Or  have  borne  such  fruit, 
Had  not  the  wintry  wind 

Swept  over  each  shoot, 
Searching  and  scathing  the  boughs 

With  its  blust'rous  breath, 
Deepening  the  hold  of  the  root 

In  the  ground  beneath  ? 

Many  a  blessing  God  sends 

Like  the  windy  storm  ; 
Sickness,  sorrow,  and  suffering, 

His  work  perform ; 
Shall  there  not  rise  from  the  garden 

That  He  has  dressed, 
Blossoms  of  faith  and  of  patience, 

Brightest  and  best  ? 


THE  GARDEN  OF  THE  LORD.  43 


Many  a  blessing  God  sends 

Like  a  breeze  from  heaven, 
Bringing  us  balm  for  the  wound 

"Which  in  love  was  given  ; 
Shall  not  His  tenderness  also 

Sweet  fruit  produce, 
And  the  garden  that  He  has  dressed 

Be  meet  for  His  use  ? 

Jesus  will  seek  from  our  lips 

And  our  lives,  this  year, 
Blossoms  and  fruit  in  their  season 

His  heart  to  cheer ; 
Sunny  south  wind  or  tempest 

Pruning  the  shoot, 
Come  as  ye  will,  if  the  Master 

Find  but  His  pleasant  fruit. 


44  LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SEE  VICE. 


"ffollow  /IBe!" 

If  ant  man  will  come  after  Me,  let  him  dent  himself,  and  take 

UP  HI3  CROSS  DAILT,   AND  FOLLOW  ME."— (Luke  ix.  23.) 

Oh,  the  mazes  of  the  future, 

Lying  hidden  from  our  gaze  ! 
Are  our  hearts  afraid  to  enter 

On  their  unknown  winding  ways  ? 
Let  us  then,  like  Christ's  disciples 

By  the  shores  of  Galilee, 
All  forsake,  and,  fully  trusting, 

Just  obey  His  "Follow  Me  !  " 

Oh,  the  rest  of  treading  only 

In  the  traces  of  His  feet ! 
Oh,  the  blessedness  of  guidance 

All  perplexities  to  meet ! 
Through  the  maze  of  life's  strange  windings, 

This  our  silken  clue  shall  be  : 
They  shall  never  err  who  listen 

To  the  Saviour's  "Follow  Me.1' 

'Tis  a  word  of  sweet  example 

For  our  busy  working  days  ; 
For  it  tells  of  One  who  laboured, 

Thirsting  not  for  human  praise  ; 
Ever  diligent  in  duty, 

Yet  from  all  self-seeking  free : 
Perfect  Servant !     Perfect  Master ! 

Give  us  grace  to  "Follow  Thee." 


"FOLLOW  HE!"  45 


Let  us  keep  in  blest  remembrance, 

'Mid  the  wants  and  woes  of  life, 
That  our  Leader  is  no  stranger 

To  its  loneliness  and  strife. 
He  has  passed  this  way  before  us, 

To  the  Cross  that  makes  us  free  ; 
Now.  through  heaven's  opened  portals, 

Comes  the  Saviour's  ' '  Follow  Me." 


46  LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE. 


B  DatlB  Desire. 

Be  thou  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  all  the  day  long."— (Proverbs 
xxiii.  17.) 

In  the  sweet  fear  of  Jesus l 

May  I  begin  the  day  ; 
Fearful  lest  I  should  grieve  Him, 

Fearful  lest  I  should  stray  ; 
Fearful  lest  earthly  longings 

Ever  my  heart  should  share, 
Taking  the  throne  of  Jesus, 

Placing  an  idol  there. 

In  the  sweet  fear  of  Jesus, 

Tenderly,  gently  led, 
Never  disquieting  terror, 

Never  tormenting  dread ; 
Only  the  fear  which,  cherished, 

Yieldeth  for  weary  days 
Harvest  of  restful  confidence, 

Harvest  of  gladsome  praise. 

In  the  sweet  fear  of  Jesus, 

Then  may  I  live  this  day  ; 
Serving  or  resting,  always 

Under  its  gentle  sway. 
All  that  I  say  directed, 

All  that  I  plan  conceived, 
With  the  remembrance  present, 

"Jesus  must  not  be  grieved." 

1  Suggested  by  a  line  of  Gellert's  "  Evening  Hymn." 


A  DAILY  DESIRE.  47 


In  the  sweet  fear  of  Jesus 

Dwelling  the  whole  day  long, 
Promptly  yielding  obedience, 

Patiently  suffering  wrong; 
Kept,  till  the  evening  closes, 

Still  by  this  strange,  sweet  fear, 
Blent  with  the  blessed  knowledge, 

"  Jesus  is  ever  near." 


48  LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SEE  VICE. 


Be  te  also  ready  :  for  in  such  an  hour  as  ye  think  not  the  Son 

OF  MAN  COMETH."—  {Matt.  xxiv.  44.) 

Ready  !     Oh,  are  you  ready 

If  the  Lord  should  come  to-day? 
Are  you  sheltered  under  the  sprinkled  blood 

That  takes  all  sin  away  ? 
Or  are  you  still  fearing,  doubting, 

Lingering  outside  the  door, 
Which,  when  once  He  comes,  will  be  closed  to  you, 

If  you  enter  not  before  ? 

Ready  !    Oh,  are  you  ready  ? 

Christian,  this  speaks  to  you ; 
For  the  Lord's  own  child,  though  safe,  may  be 

Ashamed  to  meet  Him  too. 
Will  He  find  you  watching,  praying, 

In  the  day  when  He  comes  again  ? 
Or  are  you  asleep  while  others  weep 

For  the  sorrows  and  sins  of  men  ? 

Eeady  !    Oh,  are  you  ready  ? 

For  soon  He  may  be  here : 
Will  He  find  you  loyal  and  true  to  Him, 

Or  cowardly  and  full  of  fear  ? 
Will  He  find  you  enduring  hardness, 

As  a  faithful  soldier  must, 
Content  to  tread  where  the  Lord  has  led, 

In  a  life  of  simple  trust? 


READY!  49 


Beady  !     Oh,  are  you  ready 

When  the  Lord  shall  call  away  ? 
No  idol  chaining  you  down  to  earth, 

But  ready  to  go  to-day  ? 
For  it  may  be  that  He  is  coming 

Before  the  evening  fall ; 
But  whether  at  noon  or  midnight, 

Be  ready  when  He  shall  call ! 


50  LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE. 


B  IRatl  in  a  Sure  place. 

I  WILL  FASTEN  HlM  AS  A  NAIL  IN  A  SURE  PLACE  .  .  .  AND  THET  SHALL 
HANG  UPON  HIM  .  .  .  ALL  VESSELS  OF  SMALL  QUANTITY,  FROM  THE 
VESSELS  OF   CUPS,    EVEN    TO    ALL    THE  VESSELS    OF    FLAGONS."—  [Isaiah 

xxii.  23,  24.) 

A  nail  was  fastened  both  firm  and  strong 

In  a  place  that  was  safe  and  sure, 
And  upon  it  was  many  a  vessel  hung, — 

Flagon,  and  cup,  and  ewer. 

Said  a  little  cup,  "  How  small  am  I, 
So  shabby,  and  mean,  and  black  : 

I  fear  I  shall  fall ;  and  then,  though  I  try, 
I  never  shall  get  put  back." 

"You  need  not  fear,"  quoth  a  flagon  great, 

"  A  little  thing  like  you  : 
But  look  at  me,  with  my  heavy  weight ; 

Of  me  might  such  fears  be  true." 

Then  another  voice  took  up  the  cry, 

And  sighed,  "  Oh,  if  I  were  like 
That  golden  cup  that  hangs  so  high, 

No  terror  my  heart  need  strike  !  " 


A  NAIL  IN  A  SURE  PLACE.  51 

But  the  golden  cup  gave  the  answer  bold, 

11 1  never  with  fear  need  quail ; 
But  I  keep  up  here  not  because  I'm  gold, 

But  because  I  hang  on  the  nail. 

"If  the  nail  should  fall,  then  we  all  must  go, 

Whatever  our  strength  may  be  ; 
But  as  long  as  it  keeps  its  place,  I  know 

That  secure  and  safe  are  we." 


52  LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE. 


B  Tl&orfter's  Dream  of  tbe  JBoroec  Xano* 

'Tis  over !     Life's  pilgrimage  story, 
The  burden  and  heat  of  the  day  ; 

Before  me  lies  nought  but  the  glory, 
Behind,  all  the  toil  of  the  way. 

0  weariness,  farewell  forever ! 

Now  "the  lame  one  shall  leap  as  an  hart ;  " 
Disappointment  and  sorrow  shall  never 
Again  fling  their  anguishing  dart. 

For  tears  shall  be  wiped  from  all  faces, 
And  joy  be  the  portion  of  each ; 

Of  sickness  and  pain  are  no  traces, 
For  death  is  now  far  out  of  reach. 

Set  free  from  the  grasp  of  temptation, 
From  the  sin  which  dominion  hath  sought, 

1  conquer  through  much  tribulation, 
For  Jesus  my  triumjDh  hath  bought. 

The  gates  of  the  city  are  nearing, 
The  glory  has  dazzled  my  sight, 

And  voices  are  now  within  hearing 
Last  heard  in  earth's  shadowy  night. 


A  WORKER'S  DREAM.  53 


My  loved  ones,  my  children,  are  waiting, 
Sweet  fruit  of  my  toil — "  gone  before," 

And  tliey  stand  at  the  gates  with  a  greeting, 
A  welcome  to  last  evermore. 

And  yet  there  is  melody  higher 

Than  their  out-gushing  language  of  love, 
A  song  of  which  saints  never  tire, 

To  be  sung  in  the  mansions  above. 

The  rapture — oh,  how  shall  I  tell  it ! 

Unspeakable,  glorious,  divine ! 
A  rapture  with  nought  to  dispel  it, 

A  bliss  through  eternity  mine  ! 

I  shall  kiss  the  dear  feet  of  the  Master, 

Behold  the  fair  face  of  the  King  ; 
O  chariot  wheels,  speed  me  faster  ! 

0  angels,  be  fleeter  of  wing ! 

Press  on,  till  in  deep  adoration 

1  mingle  my  voice  with  the  strain ; 

"  Praise,  honour,  thanksgiving,  salvation, 
Be  unto  the  Lamb  that  was  slain." 


54  LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE. 


©nwarfc ! 

Let  patience  have  her  perfect  work."— {James  i.  4.) 

Oh,  lose  not  courage,  weary  heart ! 

Forth  to  the  work  anew ! 
Through  tears  and  toil  the  Master  trod  : 

So  must  His  servants  true. 
'Tis  those  who  sow  the  seed,  and  weep, 
Who  He  has  said  shall  doubtless  reap. 

Oh,  lose  not  patience,  weary  heart ! 

Tangled  life's  web  may  seem  ; 
But  thread  by  thread  the  Master's  hand 

Unravels  what  we  deem 
Inextricable  :  then  we  see 
How  skilled  a  guide  that  Hand  must  be. 

And  so  in  faith  we  day  by  day 

Take  both  the  toil  and  pain, 
Knowing  the  work  and  warfare  each 

Shall  end  in  heavenly  gain, 
And  those  who  have  through  patience  won, 
Shall  hear  the  Master's  word,  "  Well  done ! " 


WILDERNESS  REST.  55 


TKIUlDernese  IRest. 

Who  is  this  that  cometh  up  from  the  wilderness,  leaning  upon 
her  Beloved." — (Song  of  Solomon  viii.  5.) 

Only  just  to  rest  upon  His  bosom, 

Only  just  to  lean  upon  His  arm  ! 
Calm  from  all  the  fretting  and  impatience, 

Safe  and  confident  from  fear  of  harm. 

'Tis  no  effort  I  can  make  will  bring  me 

To  this  place  of  sweet  and  blessed  rest ; 
But  He  holds  me,  keeps  me  there  forever, 

Folded  closely  down  upon  His  breast ; 

Carries  me  o'er  mountain,  hill,  and  valley, 
Through  the  wilderness  so  long  and  drear : 

And,  although  the  path  be  steep  and  rugged, 
Stayed  upon  Him  what  have  I  to  fear  ? 

What  though  round  me  all  is  scorched  and  thirsty  ! 

He  is  the  "  shadow  in  a  weary  land  ;  " 
Why  should  I  care  for  "  windy  storm  and  tempest," 

When  in  the  "  Hiding-place  "  secure  I  stand  ? 

Then,  O  my  heart,  why  bodest  thou  of  sorrow  ? 

The  "  everlasting  arms  "  are  round  thee  clasped  ; 
Jesus  shall  keep  thee  till  that  glad  to-morrow, 

When  thou  shalt  stand  with  Him  "  at  home  "  at  last. 


5G  LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE. 


"1be  ffafletb  mot." 

(See  Zephaniah  iii.  5.) 

O  peecious  truth  for  human  need, 
For  souls  that  faint,  for  hearts  that  bleed, 
God  will  to  their  assistance  speed, 
"  He  faileth  not !  " 

Take  courage,  doubting  one,  and  prove 
How  true  this  promise  of  His  love  ; 
Through  each  day's  trials  look  above, 
"  He  faileth  not." 

Kinsfolk  and  friend  far  off  may  be, 
Sorrows  untold  may  compass  thee, 
No  earthly  refuge  thou  mayst  see — 
"He  faileth  not." 

Wait  thou  for  Him,  nor  vainly  try 
On  Egypt's  horses  swift '  to  fly, 
His  aid  is  sure— on  Him  rely, 
"He  faileth  not." 

Did  He  not  send  the  Saviour  down 
To  make  this  blessed  secret  known, 
To  show  the  sick,  the  sad,  the  lone, 
"He  faileth  not?" 

1  Isa.  xxx.  15-18  ;  xxxi.  1-3. 


HE  FAILETH  NOT."  57 


Gaze  on  that  wondrous  Life  and  see 
God's  Heart  of  Love  revealed  to  thee 
From  Bethlehem  to  Calvary — 
"  He  faileth  not." 

Gaze  on  the  Cross,  see  Christ  fulfil 
Through  shame  and  death  the  Father's  will 
Thy  soul  to  save — sweet  pledge  that  still 
"  He  faileth  not." 

Then  bring  to  God  thy  sin  and  woe, 
Pardon  and  strength  He  will  bestow, 
By  blest  experience  thou  shalt  know 
"He  faileth  not." 


58  LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SEE  VICE. 


Gbe  lbeart'6  Ibunger. 

QUESTION  I. 

Oh,  longing  desires,  will  ye  ever  be  wholly  stilled  ? 

Will  the  restless  beat  of  this  heart  be  ever  at  peace  ? 
Will  the  soul,  now  so  hungry,  ever  be  fully  filled, 

And  the  yearning  for  joys  denied  to  me  ever  cease  ? 

If  only  the  hand  could  reach  that  which  looks  so  fair  ! 

If  only  the  lips  could  touch  that  which  seems  so  sweet ! 
But  the  light  I  follow  but  lures  me  to  dark  despair, 

Eluding  my  grasp  be  never  my  steps  so  fleet ! 

THE  ANSWER. 

The  longings  of  earth,  oh,  they  never  would  fill  the  soul, 
Though  granted  and  meted  with  measure  o'erflowing  and 
free ! 

Let  one  who  has  tasted  unfettered  by  aught  of  control 
Now  speak,  and  his  answer  suffice  forever  to  thee. 

"  I  said  in  my  heart  I  will  prove  thee  with  joy  and  mirth,1 
With  pleasure  and  laughter,  with  music,  and  song,  and 
wine; 

Whatever  my  eyes  desire  of  the  joys  of  earth,3 
Whatever  my  fancy  craves  it  shall  now  be  mine. 

11  Then  laughter  and  love  in  luxury's  lap  combined 
To  lull  my  longings  in  ravishing  dreamy  bliss  ; 

I  slumbered,  it  seemed  but  a  moment,  then  waked  to  find 
My  vision  had  vanished,  and  years  had  been  lost  for  this.3 
i  Eccles.  ii.  1.  a  Eccles.  ii.  10.  3  Eccles.  vii.  6 ;  Prov.  xiv.  13. 


THE  HEARTS  HUNGER. 


"  'Vexation  of  spirit,  and  labour  and  toil  in  vain,' 
Was  written  on  all  my  joy  ;  and  I  hated  life  : l 

No  rest  for  my  heart  had  I ;  but  a  weary  pain,2 
And  a  seeking  that  seemed  to  be  but  an  endless  strife. 

1 ■  Then  I  turned  away,  and  I  roused  myself  to  seek 
A  portion  to  fill  my  soul,  in  ambition's  aim  : 

I  would  be  great,  and  all  men  of  me  should  speak  ;3 
I  would  be  mighty,  and  make  myself  a  name. 

"Then  treasure  of  gold  I  gathered  from  far  and  near,4 
Then  palaces  builded,  and  gardens  and  vineyards  grew, 

Till  mighty  in  power  and  wealth  I  had  no  compeer, 
Till  all  the  world  of  Solomon's  riches  knew.5 

M  And  with  higher  and  nobler  objects  I  sought  to  fill 
The  void  in  my  soul  still  left — the  unquenched  thirst ; 

In  wisdom,  in  honour,  in  knowledge  I  gloried,6  till 
A  breath  of  keen  censure  blew,  and  the  bubble  burst. 

" ■  Vexation  of  spirit,  and  labour  and  toil  in  vain,' 
Was  written  on  all  my  work  ;  and  I  hated  life  : 

No  rest  for  my  heart  had  I — but  a  weary  pain, 
And  a  seeking  that  seemed  to  be  but  an  empty  strife.7 

"Yes,  the  rivers  had  run  all  into  the  sea  of  my  heart,8 
And  yet  the  ocean  was  never  the  nearer  filled  ; 

The  eye  had  seen  and  the  ear  had  heard  their  part,9 
But  the  restless,  surging  beat  had  never  been  stilled." 

»  Ecclee.  ii.  11, 17.       a  ii.  23.  8  ii.  4.       *  ii.  4-8.      5  ii.  9  ;  i.  16. 

•  i.  13 ;  ii.  21.  ii.  17,  18,  20.      8  i.  7.        9  i.  9 ;  v.  10, 11. 


60  LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE. 


QUESTION  II. 

O  God,  is  it  true,  as  preachers  are  wont  to  say,1 
O  God,  is  rr  true,  the  wondrous,  marvellous  thought, 

That  with  Thyself  may  be  satisfied  e'en  to-day 2 
The  hunger  of  soul  which  to  fill  I  in  vain  have  sought  ? 

Say,  is  there  a  life  on  earth  of  which  Thou  art  the  theme, s 
A  life  of  which  Thou  Thyself  art  beginning  and  end,4 

A  life  of  joy — yet  which  is  no  baseless  dream,5 
A  life  of  love  on  which  can  no  blight  descend  ? 


THE  ANSWER. 

Hark  !  the  sound  of  many  voices, 

All  are  echoing  one  sweet  strain  ; 
One  shall  speak  above  his  fellows, 

One  who  spoke  shall  speak  again,  song  of  Sol.  i.  1. 

Telling  out  the  joy  of  thousands 

In  that  life  of  truest  gain. 

"  I  have  found  for  world-worn  spirits 

One  sweet  spot  of  sheltering  shade,     gjg  ^  S2°J; iL  3' 

Like  an  Elim  in  the  desert, 

Spot  where  none  dare  make  afraid  ; 

'Tis  the  human  heart  of  Jesus, 

_  Song  of  Sol.  1.  7. 

Eesting-place  for  sinners  made.  John  xx.  19, 20. 

i  Eccles,  xii.  10,  11.  2  Psalm  cvii.  5,  9. 

3  Psalm  xxxvi.  8,  9.  4  Psalm  xxvii.  1  ;  Phil.  i.  21. 

6  1  Peter  i.  6,  8. 


THE  HEART'S  HUNGER.  61 


"  Tis  the  human  heart  of  Jesus 

In  the  light  of  Godhead  seen,  John'xx.  27,  2s. ' 
Heart  that  suffered,  heart  that  sorrowed,  Song  of  goi.  y-±  E 

Now  the  place  where  I  may  lean  :  gjj£  ^Jj-J3^ 

Safer  shelter,  surer  refuge,  Prov.  xiv.  26. 

'  *  *  Song  of  Sol.  iL  14. 

Sweeter  home,  has  never  been  !  Psalm  xci.  9, 10. 


God  in  Christ  has  come  to  meet  me  ;       Prov.  xxx.  4. 

Exodus  xxv.  22. 
He  has  stooped  from  His  high  throne, 

He  has  taken  human  nature,  pST'if^s.17' 

He  has  made  my  cause  His  own  ; 

He  has  pitied,  He  has  loved  me,  g^T  2 

He  has  died  for  sin  t'  atone.  Prov.  viii.  35;  xiv.  25. 

Acts  xx.  28. 


"  Ah  !  my  eyes  can  see  new  beauty 

As  the  God-Man  stands  revealed,         Revf  i°  13-17.V' 

And  His  heart  that  once  was  riven         fggg  *£?&?'  9' 

Melts  my  heart  that  once  was  sealed,  Prov.  xxfii.  26. 

Acts  ix  4—6 

And  my  wounds  of  sin  and  sorrow 

By  His  wounded  side  are  healed.        *sa-  *•  6.-.  ,. 

J  Prov.  in.  18. 


"  He  is  chief  among  ten  thousand,  lev^if0]/' 10* 

None  His  Kingship  can  contend  ; 
He  is  peerless,  He  is  matchless, 

His  perfections  have  no  end !  PbiiT'iL9. 

He  is  altogether  lovelv, 

,rT>,       >,         ,        "-n-       it  Song  of  Sol.  v.  16. 

My  Beloved  and  my  Friend !  i  peter  ii.  7. 


62  LAYS  OF  LOWLY  SERVICE. 


"  Yet  the  world  refused  to  own  Him, 

Of  His  beauty  nothing  guessed  ;  ^l;1  John  f.'A 

Heeded  not  His  tender  pity, 

Spurned  Him  when  He  would  have  blessed  ; 
Crucified  the  Lord  of  glory 

When  He  came  to  give  it  rest ! 


1  So  the  world  no  longer  charms  me 

With  its  baubles  and  its  toys  ;  fpSeJfv.  Jf*" 

I  can  leave  them  all  forgotten 

As  I  drink  of  deeper  joys  : 
Jesus  crucified  and  risen 

All  their  witching  spell  destroys.         Gal.  vi.  14. 


I  have  found  a  new  ambition, 

One  to  live  for,  One  to  please  : 
Motive-power  all  toil  ennobling, 

Love  that  from  self-seeking  frees  ; 
Service  which  is  never  irksome, 

Labour  which  is  truest  ease.  Fcor.^is".5' 16' 


So  I  walk  a  pilgrim-stranger 

Through  the  world  that  loved  Him  not : 
If  it  hate  me,  like  my  Master, 

Need  I  murmur  at  my  lot, 

While  I  know  my  humblest  service         Prov  xy  16 

Ne'er  will  be  by  Him  forgot  ?  i  Peter  iv.  12-14. 

J  °  Heb.  xi.  13. 


THE  HEART'S  HUNGER.  63 


And  He  loves  me,  this  sweet  Saviour, 

With  a  changeless  love  and  true  ;        John  xiii.  l;  Rev.  i.'  5. 


Prov.  xxx.  5. 
Heb.  xiii.  5. 


Saves  me,  keeps  me,  guards  me,  guides  me 

All  the  desert  journey  through  ; 
And  the  fellowship  of  heaven 

Gilds  my  way  with  beauty  new.  lSShni  3? 


Thus  with  gladsomeness  of  childhood 

Is  my  daily  pathway  trod,  gjg;  g  g; 

And  with  childhood's  unsuspicion 

Now  no  evil  I  forebode,  25Sm.?5. * 

But  like  rest  on  mother's  bosom 

Is  my  inward  peace  with  God."  Prov.  m.  24-26. 

J  v  Phil.  iv.  7. 


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